Student Channel

Student Lands Breakthrough Role on Pilot for Television Comedy Smoked

Congratulations to BA (Hons) English and Drama student Robert Cummins-White who has just landed a part on a pilot for new TV comedy drama Smoked. He’ll be working alongside the likes of Charlie Lawson (Jim McDonald, Coronation Street), Johnny Bennett (Liam Gallagher, Shameless) and a host of local up-and-coming actors.

The opportunity came about when Lecturer in English and Drama Kate Adams was asked to recommend suitable students to take part in the auditions by the director. She put forward Robert and within a few days of sending off his CV, found out he’d be invited to a casting. “The audition process went surprisingly quickly,” said Robert. “I met the directors Luke and Alex and the next day found out I’d got the part. It’s extremely encouraging.”

The show is set in a struggling Stockport pub and Robert will be playing the character of Bagnall, a troublesome shift leader. “He enjoys making other people’s lives difficult and generally sees himself as above others, despite being an accountancy dropout,” he said.

Lecturer Kate added: “It’s great that we can offer our students these potentially life-changing opportunities while they study here at Salford. When I heard about the auditions, I put Robert forward straight away. We’re all really pleased he got the part.”

Smoked has just started filming, with a number of channels interested in the pilot. Congratulations Robert!